Rhonda J. Tobin is a partner at Robinson+Cole who on March 1 completed a five-year run as the law firm’s managing partner. She is also the chair of the firm’s lateral Growth Committee.
During her managing partner tenure, Robinson+Cole executed a new strategic plan that expanded offices in New York, Boston and Philadelphia, opened locations in Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas, and strengthened national practices including affordable housing finance, capital markets, intellectual property, health care and insurance. The firm also invested heavily in technology and innovation, becoming the first Am Law 200 firm to partner strategically with Newcode.ai and the first U.S. law firm to earn ARMA’s Verified Organization status.
Tobin said continued agility, talent development and responsible AI integration remain central as the legal industry evolves.
What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today?
For me, effective leadership starts with being transparent, accessible and grounded in clear communication. Over the years, I’ve learned that people want to understand not just what decisions are being made, but why.
When times are uncertain or moving quickly — as they have been through economic shifts, hybrid work and technological change — being open and honest helps build trust and keeps people aligned.
I also believe deeply in the power of connection. A key to our firm’s success has always been its people, and I see my role as creating an environment where individuals feel supported, included and able to grow. Collaboration and consensus building are central to how I lead; I view myself as a partner among partners, and working together strengthens our culture in meaningful ways.
Finally, leaders today need to be adaptable and optimistic about change. Whether navigating growth or integrating new tools like generative AI, I try to stay anchored in our values while embracing innovation.
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What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut?
I’m a Philadelphia native, and when I moved here early in my career, I didn’t have family nearby. But I quickly discovered a strong sense of community and family — both at Robinson+Cole and in the broader Connecticut legal and business community — as well as in my work and family homes of Hartford and Simsbury.
That sense of connection is something I continue to value deeply.
Doing business in Connecticut means working in a state with a talented workforce, respected educational institutions, strong corporations that are engaged in the community, a powerful arts and culture presence and a diverse economy that creates opportunities across many sectors.
But what stands out most is the way people and organizations collaborate. It’s a place where relationships matter and where leaders support one another in meaningful, long-term ways.
I appreciate that Connecticut offers the sophistication and complexity of work you’d expect from larger markets, while allowing for real connection and a strong sense of belonging. It’s an amazing place to build a career, raise a family and contribute to a community that genuinely cares about its people and its future.
What is one change that would make Connecticut more competitive economically?
Affordable health care, child care and housing
Book Recommendation: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
Favorite Podcast: “The Daily”
Go-to news media outlets: The New York Times, NPR, MS Now
Hobby or leisure activity: Paddleboarding